Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Australia’s Travis Bazzana, the No.1 overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft, will be called up by Cleveland and could make his MLB debut against Tampa Bay.
A person familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Monday (Tuesday AEST) on condition of anonymity because the Guardians have not announced the roster move.
The 23-year-old second baseman is the top prospect in the organisation, batting .287 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 24 games for Triple-A Columbus.
Bazzana showed his potential during the recent World Baseball Classic, when he had two hits and a home run for Australia in their 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei.
The Sydneysider, who played college ball for Oregon State between 2022-24, is the lone No.1 overall draft selection in Cleveland’s franchise history.
Bazzana missed two months last season due to an oblique strain. He had a .239 batting average with nine home runs, 39 RBIs and 12 stolen bases with Double-A Akron and Columbus.
The Guardians enjoy a 15-15 record to start the season after losing 3-2 on Tuesday in the first of three consecutive home matches against the Rays at Progressive Field.
Juan Brito, who is expected to be sent down to make away for Bazzana, is batting only .176 and has 17 strikeouts in 51 at-bats.
Brito was called up from Columbus on April 7 after Gabriel Arias was placed on the injured list due to a strained left hamstring.
With AAP.
